The party has already started opening nominations, despite there being no indication of a vote being triggered

Nigel Farage would have the “110 per cent” backing of Paul Nuttall if he contested a by-election for the party in South Thanet, the Ukip leader has said.

Speculation has gathered steam in recent weeks that a re-run of the 2015 vote could be triggered following an expenses scandal in which the Conservative Party is said to have “understated” spending during campaigning for the Kent seat.

In that election, Craig Mackinlay was victorious over then-Ukip leader Mr Farage, whose party has already opened nominations for candidates, despite there being no indication of such an election being on the cards.

Mr Mackinlay was reportedly quizzed by Kent Police for six hours last month shortly before the Electoral Commission watchdog published the findings of its investigation into the spending.